County to help with James River cleanup

March 26, 2008|By Scott Waltman, swaltman@aberdeennews.com

Brown County commissioners are contemplating whether they want to help clean up a sliver of the bank of the James River. Bob Pray, who lives near Tacoma Park northwest of Groton, asked commissioners if they would help with work to improve the river's bank near where he lives. He said that high waters - especially during last year's flood - have caused the deterioration of the bank. Trees sometimes fall into the river, he said. Pray said he got a permit to improve the bank several years ago. That work helps protect nearby township roads. County commissioners said they would probably be willing to help, but wanted to know what the county's cost would be. Pray said the entire project would cost about $25,000. The James River Water Development District will contribute $5,000, said Darrell Raschke, who is affiliated with the group. Randy Stanley said he has talked to officials from Claremont and it sounds like that city would be willing to participate in the cleanup as well. The concrete that would be used as riprap to strengthen the bank would come from an elevator site in Claremont, Stanley and Pray said. Pray said about 1,500 feet of the river's bank needs to be improved. Commissioners said that at the least, they would be willing to spread the riprap along the bank. Transferring it to the bank, though, might be another matter. Commissioner Dennis Feickert said he has concerns about the damage that could be caused to county equipment by dropping the concrete into it. No action was taken. In other news Tuesday, the commission:

Met as the Brown County Drainage Board but took no action. Dan Brenner of Aberdeen said work a neighbor is doing on nearby property will adversely impact drainage on his land. One reason commissioners didn't act is that the dispute does not involve county land.

Decided that in 2009, a bridge over the James River near Tacoma Park will be rebuilt. A considerable detour will have to be established, probably during the planting season. The overall cost to improve the 178-foot bridge is $765,000, said Jan Weismantel, highway superintendent. The county's share is 20 percent or $153,000 with the federal government to pay the rest.

Approved awarding a host of chemical bids to be used by the Weed Board to Van Diest Supply of Iowa, the only bidder.

Met in closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

Appointed Duane Jark of Stratford to the Weed Board to represent the southeast portion of the county.

Approved the March 18 meeting minutes, claims, personnel and three plats.